But if this was truly a setup, how could Mom have no memory of it?


    I carefully put the notebook away, gathered the rest of the belongings, and brought everything home to Mom.


    "Mom, I''ve packed up all your things for you." I pushed the two suitcases in front of her. "Check if anything''s missing. If there is, I''ll go back and get it."


    She happily took the suitcases and opened them before nodding in satisfaction. "Serena, you''re such a good daughter. You packed everything so thoroughly."


    With the notebook still tucked inside my pocket, I smiled. "As long as it''s all there. Go put your things away, and if there''s anything else you need, I''ll buy it for you. I''m heading out for a bit."


    At the café below Hastings Group, I slid the notebook across the table toward Alex. He frowned and picked it up. "What''s this?"


    "It''s my mom''s journal. She wrote everything that happened between her and your father. But I think there are some inconsistencies. Read it carefully, and investigate whether there''s more to the story."


    "More to the story?" Alex looked at me in disbelief. "Are you saying Madam Burke was framed?"


    I nodded. "It''s just a suspicion for now. But if she really was framed, she shouldn''t have to carry this stigma forever."


    "Alright. I understand." Alex took the notebook. After exchanging a few more words, I turned and headed home.


    "Serena, what took you so long?"


    When I got back, I was surprised to find Mom still awake. She was sitting on the


    couch, and the moment she saw me, her face lit up with a smile.


    I walked over to her and nestled into her arms.


    "What''s wrong?" She gently stroked my hair. "Did someone bully you?"


    I shook my head. "No."


    She continued smoothing out my hair. "Serena, I feel like I''m really happy now. Having you by my side makes every day feel so fulfilling."


    "Me too." I nodded. "Having you with me is so much better than being alone."


    "Really?" A sh of joy crossed her eyes. "I''m always worried that I''ll be a burden to you."


    I shook my head. "How could you be, Mom? We''re the closest people in each other''s lives."


    She nodded, but something in me felt heavy. After a long pause, I finally asked, "Mom, have


    unhappy living there all you


    years?"


    She looked at me in surprise, and I watched as the light in her eyes gradually faded.


    "It was could


    happy?" Her voice carried


    livier really my home. How t sorrow. "Serenat


    living in the Hastings residence."


    "And what about Mr. Hastings Senior? Was he good to you?"


    At my question, she let out a long sigh, her voiceced with bitterness. "He only stayed with me out of responsibility. I wouldn''t say he'' treated me well, but he didn''treat me badly either."


    It was just as I had suspected. I didn''t press her any further. I didn''t want to stir up


    more pain. I''d let Alex handle the investigation.